John McCorkle and the impressions of his first reunion.
I have to admit that I was somewhat apprehensive about going to the reunion. After leaving Nam I had lost contact with all but two of the men with whom I served. In 1999 I re-established contact with my Company Commander, Dolf Carlson (the last CO of the company in Nam). Through Dolf, I made contact with David “DROPS” Sprinkle who was an E5. “DROPS” was severely wounded in the last contact C Co had while in Nam.
Anyway, I had found the Tall Comanche website and read of the reunion in St. Louis. Since I only live about an hour and a half from there I decided to give the reunion a try.
When my wife and I arrived at the reunion I was somewhat saddened because there was no one there from the time I served in Nam. However, all the guys who were there went out of their way to make me feel at home. They welcomed my wife and I like we were long lost friends. And, in a way, I guess we were.
Because of our busy schedule, my wife and I were only able to stay a short while. I am so glad that I did make the effort to go. Being welcomed by others who had served gave me a feeling of brotherhood I will cherish forever. Of course, there were the ever-present war stories, but, more importantly, there was fellowship.
Since that reunion I have been to two others (Indianapolis 2003 and St. Louis 2006). At both of those reunions there were men from the time I served and we keep making contact with more and more of them.
If you have never been to a reunion, I encourage you to go. I especially appreciate the dinner and the time set aside to honor our brothers who paid the ultimate price.
Should you have any questions I would love to talk with you about the reunion. Please feel free to give me a call. My cell number is (217) 473-1904. Or 3email me at johnmccorkle@verizon.net
I am looking forward to the 2008 reunion and look forward to seeing all of you there.
Saved to Serve,
From Cavalry to Calvary,
John McCorkle
St. Louis 2001